Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 13 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday pledged to promote and use maximum land available in the state for horticulture and micro irrigation systems.

Chandrababu Naidu, while attending the 'Rally for Rivers' programme with Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, said that through the Vanam Manam programme, they are promoting horticultural crops.

He further said that Vietnam should be the role model in promotion of horticulture.

"I believe that out of 2 crore acres of land in Andhra Pradesh, half should be for horticulture; another half should use micro-irrigation systems," Naidu said.

He added that Andhra Pradesh will be the first state to accept and implement the policy document that Isha foundation would prepare.

Addressing the gathering here, Naidu said that the ‘Rally for Rivers’ is a sacred event and a great programme which has been taken up by Sadguru Vasudev for a wonderful cause.

“As the mother gives birth to a baby, the river gives life to us. Our ancestors respected rivers with Pushkarams (Kumbh Mela) and our Government is taking that tradition ahead. Our recent programme 'Jala Siriki Haarati' is such tradition,” he said.

Naidu asserted that the Andhra Pradesh Government is trying to preserve every single drop of water through check dams, reservoirs etc.

He added that almost half of ground water levels in the state are at 8 m; the remaining are much deeper.

“Floods and drought come at the same time in different parts of country. That's why we asked for interlinking of rivers and to ensure that the then Vajpayee Government took some initiative,” he said.

“I totally support the cause of Jaggi Vasudev in his initiative of revival of rivers,’ he added. (ANI)

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